The Town of Saint Andrews Council considered two different locations for a proposed dog park in the town limits: Harry Mallory Sports Field or the Queen Street extension. A local dog park committee recently presented the idea of fundraising for the addition of a dog park to the committee but asked council to commit to a location to fundraise for. The town recently held a public meeting to get input from the community before making a decision.

"Approximately 20 people were at an open house at the WC O'Neill Arena regarding the two proposed locations for a dog park for the Town of Saint Andrews, either the Queen Street extension location or Harry  Mallory Sports Field," said Town Clerk Paul Nopper. "There were lengthy discussions and pros and cons for both discussed. At the Queen Street extension, there were discussions on noise since it is a more residential area and a smaller location. It is, however, closer to downtown, and it's a flatter location making it more easily accessible than the sports field.

Despite many pros to the downtown location at Queen Street, the sports field location has the advantage of more space.

"As far as the Harry Mallory Sports Field location goes, people felt it was more spacious that, but there was concern about the number of trees that would have to be cut down. There was also concern that the sports field was further away from downtown. Everyone at the open house was in favour of having a dog park, and some even suggested that they would like to see more," said Nopper.

 
Nopper added that, although the town currently doesn't have a designated dog park, there are many areas in the community where dogs can already go off leash. 

"I would like to point out that when the tide is out, we also have many beaches where dogs are free to go off leash," said Nopper

Nopper added that the price is also a factor for council to consider. Harry Mallory would cost about $120,000 versus the Queen Street extension, which would cost about $60,000.  

Council discussed both locations but ultimately decided on the Harry Mallory Sports Field. The St. Andrews Dog Park Committee will now begin their fundraising efforts to help support the town with this endeavour.